Stretchy Trousers Are Replacing Jeans This Fall—9 Comfy and Flattering Styles, From $28

It's officially trouser weather, and if Zara’s are anything to go by, I'm not the only one who's noticed. The $28 straight-leg trousers are one I’ve been eyeing for a while because of how popular the pant style has gotten. It's easy to see why: stretchy trousers give you the ease of joggers with the polish of tailoring, so your daily commute never has to trade style for substance.

This fall’s trouser trends are all about the cut. Straight-leg is the everyday staple, wide-leg brings the drama, barrel-leg is the fashion insider's favorite, and flared and bootcut styles are making a full comeback. Black is a perennial classic, but I'm loving warm burgundy, cool gray and chic navy blue for something fresher. There's also a playful polka dot print that keeps the summer feeling going through what's been a very warm October.

Here are the 9 best stretchy trousers to shop now, from $28.

Banana Republic Straight High-Rise Sculpted Trousers, $60

Navy blue is an elegant alternative to black this fall, and Banana Republic’s straight-leg pair are the easiest way in. The soft material has enough stretch to sit through back-to-back meetings without the waistband digging in, while pressed front seams keep them looking sharp. Wear with a striped sweater and loafers. At $70, I'd buy both colors.

Banana Republic Straight High-Rise Sculpted Trousers, $60

These are the burgundy trousers your feed won't stop showing you. The wine shade is autumn's most wearable color trend, and the stretch jersey falls into a fluid wide leg that feels like loungewear but looks tailored. Pair with a chocolate brown knit and suede boots for a tonal look.

Zara Stretch Wide-Leg Trousers, $28

Winter whites aren't just for December. Zara's ecru pair are made from stretchy fabric with an elasticated, high waist and a wide leg that flares at the hem, so they skim rather than cling. I'd match them with the coordinating tee for an expensive-looking tonal set, then add a camel coat as temperatures drop. They also come in black if cream feels too brave.

J. Crew Natalia Pant in Four-Season Stretch, $158

Cool gray is the quiet-luxury neutral I keep reaching for, and J. Crew has nailed it. The slim straight leg is minimalist without reading too simple, and the clean lines work with trainers and heels alike. Yes, $158 is an investment, but this is a pair you'll want to wear weekly until spring. Style with a white tee and a jumper slung over your shoulders, model-off-duty style.

Gap Black High Rise BiStretch Flare Pants, $80

Bootcut is back, and this Gap pair makes the case better than most. The pintuck pleat front seam lengthens your legs, and the stretch makes them far comfier than traditional tailoring.

Abercrombie & Fitch Grey Bootcut Trousers, $60

If you're easing into the bootcut trend, start here. The soft grey shade is easier to style than black, and the flared leg balances chunky knits and oversized tees alike. Next promises smart style with all-day comfort, and this stretch fabric delivers.

Reformation Kumquat Trousers, £75

Every wardrobe needs one pair of black trousers that goes with everything, and Reformation’s cropped slim-leg is mine. They're made with a touch of stretch, so the narrow cut moves with you rather than pinching, and the ankle-grazing length shows off ballet flats and loafers. They're sharp enough for the office and easy enough for Sunday lunch. Layer a white shirt under a chunky gray roll-neck for a look straight off the catwalk.

Zara Stretch Flare Polka Dot Trousers, $40

Who says polka dots are just for summer? With October still feeling this warm, these playful flares are how I'm stretching out the season. The mid-rise, elastic waist keeps them comfy, while the flared hem gives a '70s silhouette. Wear with the matching halterneck for a statement co-ord, or tone them down with a black roll-neck and boots as it cools.

J. Crew Barrel-Leg Wool-Blend Trousers, $198

A barrel-leg trouser is the cut that fashion insiders can't stop wearing, and J. Crew’s pair is the elevated way in. The wool blend is designed with a little stretch, so you get the warmth of winter tailoring without the stiffness. They're the splurge here, but a cut this directional is still a fraction of the designer pairs it's channeling. Style with a zip-up jacket and pointed boots for a sleek all-black look.